The Krayon Anywhere

The Krayon Anywhere watch packs in a compendium of unique information, while retaining elegant dress watch proportions.

Following up their award-winning Krayon Everywhere was never going to be easy for this youthful Independent watch company. Perhaps the best thing to do was to make a more attainable and wearable edition. With their Krayon Anywhere timepiece, that’s exactly what they have done.

Just like their previous albeit ultra-complex piece, the Krayon Everywhere debuts a first in watchmaking, one which enables the indication of the length of the day and the time at which the sun rises and sets, at a location chosen by the wearer. Interaction by the owner is not necessary, you choose the location, and a qualified watchmaker will set it up. If you change your mind about said chosen location, then it can be reset as often as required.

The piece carries a 39mm case which despite its complex mechanical interior rests just 9mm high on the wrist. However, perhaps it is best to approach an overview of this piece beginning with its calibre, which is not simply unusual but is aesthetically stunning.

Comprising of 432 parts, the Calibre C030 is the brainchild of Rémi Maillat, who is the founder of Krayon. While the model’s predecessor quite literally had micro-computer capabilities and therefore was demanding of a more complex structure, the more limited requirements of the Anywhere piece does away with some of the technology. That said, what it lacks in high-tech paraphernalia the C030 more than makes up for in looks, because it really is beautifully finished, with mesmerising undulating waves, countersunk jewels and screws, and hand-bevelling. Beating at 21,600vph, the handwound movement is equipped with a power reserve of 86 hours.

The calibre is split into two parts, with the lower section devoted to the indication of variation of the sunrise and sunset times. Here, a rotating cam completes one revolution per year. The movement of the cam is translated to a rack for each display, sunrise (upper rack) or sunset (lower rack). Immediately distinctive, the screw mechanism by which the watchmaker will adjust the piece to the needs of the owner is visible. Linked to a simple calendar mechanism the wearer will need to make their own adjustments for months with less than 31 days.

Perhaps I am biased when it comes to calendar mechanisms enabled by mechanical means. I find poeticism in the fact that while the hours, minutes and seconds are ticking, beneath the dial, tiny cams, levers and toothy wheels are continually in motion to translate each motion into an unfolding day, week, and even a year. So, for me, the Krayon Anywhere, which can also translate segments of time into a visual representation of a sunrise and a sunset, is not only emotive but also extraordinarily clever.

Dial-side the indications are beautifully executed and arranged, with a central guilloché section, and subtle finishes on the hands and the pyramid-like markers. Dual-toned sapphire rings represent the day and the night, with the point where they meet denoting the sunrise and the sunset. The half-sun, also meticulously finished with frosted and mirror decoration, serves as a 24-hour indication, while encircling the dial. At the lower sector the date indicator exhibits perfect proportions and features a segmented month display.

The Krayon Anywhere is available with dial options of blue/silver or two-tone crème and with 18ct white gold or pink gold or in a stainless steel cased edition. All variations are presented on alligator leather straps.

Fact File: Krayon Anywhere

MANUFACTURER: Krayon
LIMITED EDITION: Production limited
CASE: 18ct white gold, 18ct pink gold or stainless steel options. Sapphire crystal caseback
SIZE: ø 39 mm
THICKNESS: ø 9.5 mm
DIAL: Blue and silver, or two-tone crème. Sunrise and sunset times on peripheral discs made from sapphire and hand-painted. Date at 6 o’clock
MOVEMENT: In-house Cal. C030 hand wound mechanical movement, 432 components, 21,600 vph
FUNCTIONS: Hours, minutes, sunrise and sunset times, 24-hour indicator, calendar with month
POWER RESERVE: 86 hours
BRACELET/STRAP: Alligator leather
BUCKLE: Gold or stainless steel buckle
WATERPROOF RATING: 30m